A recent rally for former President Donald Trump in Tucson, Arizona, resulted in numerous attendees, including notable figures, experiencing severe eye injuries and lingering symptoms. The event, held at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall last week, took an unexpected turn when several individuals, particularly those seated onstage behind Trump, reported sudden eye irritation and other concerning symptoms.
Among those affected was Mayra Rodriguez, a former Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate, who suffered significant eye injuries. Initially dismissing her discomfort as allergies, Rodriguez later sought emergency medical care after her symptoms worsened. Hospital staff suggested her condition resembled that of a chemical burn.
“At first, I thought it was just allergies, but by the time I got home, I couldn’t see anything when I tried to open my eyes,” Rodriguez said, adding that she had to use a cold cloth for relief. Although her condition temporarily left her nearly blind, she reported some improvement by Tuesday.
Other rally attendees echoed Rodriguez’s experience, seeking medical attention for similar symptoms, including redness, burning, and facial swelling. The injuries predominantly affected individuals seated near the stage where Trump entered. One sister described her eyes watering and a burning sensation around her neck, while her brother noted his eyes were “unbearably red.”
Pastor Eli Moreno and his wife, Francesca, were also impacted, with Francesca experiencing blurred vision and facial swelling that prompted her to seek treatment. The cause of these symptoms remains uncertain, with some attendees speculating about exposure to a chemical substance, as medical staff noted the injuries resembled chemical burns. However, the US Secret Service reported no known threats to Trump during the rally.
Danielle Alvarez, Senior Advisor to the Trump campaign, acknowledged the incidents, stating, “The Trump campaign has been collecting information. We remain committed to the countless patriots that attend our high-energy, high-impact rallies across the country.”
As investigations continue, the incident has raised concerns among those who attended. Medical professionals are working to determine the source of the sudden eye injuries, while affected attendees focus on recovery and await answers.
In a separate incident, unconfirmed reports of an explosive device found at a vehicle during routine security checks at a rally site in Long Island were dismissed by law enforcement officials, who stated, “Reports of explosives being found at the site are unfounded.”
Nassau County Police reiterated that there was “no validity” to these claims, which circulated on social media prior to Trump’s event at Nassau Coliseum. Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe emphasized the need for significant resources and coordination for Trump’s security following a recent assassination attempt.
On September 15, 2024, an alleged gunman, Ryan Routh, was arrested near Trump with an SKS assault rifle and a GoPro camera. Trump’s team has been frustrated with security issues and has been requesting additional support since a previous attempt on his life in July.
The Trump campaign has promised to keep attendees updated as more information becomes available.
